Have you seen our YouTube videos?

We’ve started producing more video content for you to enjoy and learn more about the services we offer.

Why not take a few minutes out of your day and watch our two most recent videos from our YouTube channel?

First, familiarise yourself with Routeco and our staff by watching our ‘Welcome to Routeco’ video. This will give you an insight into who we are and what we stand for.

In our second video, Routeco’s Automation Product Specialist Robert Stebbings demonstrates some of the Hardy Process Solutions portfolio. The range includes in-chassis modules for the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs and a low cost plug-in module for the Micro800 Range.

Don’t forget, you can also subscribe to our YouTube channel which means you’ll be able to see our videos as they go live. We’re working on more exciting new video content, so make sure you stay up to date!

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Rockwell Automation Technical Workshops – Extra dates added

Experience the benefits of building effective control systems using Integrated Architecture from Rockwell Automation.

Due to popular demand, Rockwell Automation have added additional dates to their 2015 technical workshops in Milton Keynes and Sandbach.

The extra dates are:

Sandbach:

• 10th June
• 22nd July

 Milton Keynes:

• 1st July
• 2nd September 
• 16th September

To register, click here

Traditional control systems can require separate control structures for each part of the application but using Rockwell Automation's Integrated Architecture, control systems are connected, scaleable and information enabled, simplifying maintenance, reducing design and implementation times and providing a seamless and secure connection to other business systems.

The Technical Workshop series provides engineers with the opportunity to develop an understanding of Rockwell Automation's Logix control platform through hands-on exercises using PACs, Variable Speed Drives, Remote I/O, Motion Controllers, HMI, Safety and Ethernet/IP products.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

New! Connected Components Workbench Software 8.0 ready to download!

Connected Components Workbench (CCW) Software helps simplify stand-alone machine development by programming all your Allen-Bradley Micro800 and CR30 Configurable Safety Relay products using a single software platform. The new release 8.0 software is now available to download.

Rockwell Automation’s Connected Components Workbench, design and configuration software, offers controller programming, device configuration and integration with HMI editor. Connected Components Workbench software is developed based on proven Rockwell Automation and Microsoft Visual Studio technology, it can help to minimize your initial machine development time and cost.

The standard software is available as a free web download or free DVD and this includes free support and software updates.

Advantages

• Easy to Configure – Single software package reduces initial time to set-up controls
• Easy to Programme – User-defined function blocks speed machine development
• Easy to Visualize – Tag configuration and screen design eases operator interface configuration

Features

• Provides common, easy-to-use configuration and programming tool for all devices
• Lets you create and deploy user-defined function blocks
• Provides offline and online capability
• Offers a variety of serial and network connectivity options
• Offers choice of programming languages with user-defined function block support (ladder diagram, function block diagram, structured text)
• Uses the same wizards that are used in DriveTools™ SP and drives add-on profiles
• Includes the DeviceLogix™ Editor

Our product specialists are on hand to assist so please contact your local Routeco branch for further information.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Choosing the right enclosure with Rittal

There are a number of important decisions to make before choosing the right enclosure. Understanding a wide variety of issues from design to material selection to power and thermal management need to be considered.

Rittal is the world’s leading supplier of innovative enclosure technology – they work to meet high standards of security, ergonomics energy and cost efficiency.

Rittal created a market breakthrough of standardising enclosures and by using models with set dimensions which are produced cost effectively, Rittal can offer price benefits with exemplary delivery capabilities.

Click here for a handbook produced by Rittal. The handbook will guide you through the advantages explanation of principles, and application tips that make Rittal enclosures a smart choice.

• Learn about the sizes, standards and materials of Rittal enclosures for industries from Oil & Gas to Food & Beverage
• Discover the wide range of benefits inherent in modular enclosure systems
• Get current info on the selection of operating equipment such as cables, bars, fuses, motors and more for use in Rittal enclosures

Our Routeco experts will be able to explain to you the full details of the products their benefits to you.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Corrosion Resistant and Hygienic designs by Wittenstein

Corrosion protection is vitally important for quality and maintenance optimised production to meet the rising world-wide demand for industrial cleaning technology. With this in mind, Wittenstein’s Corrosion Resistant and EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) certified hygienic Design gearheads allow hygienic and sterile automation close to the process. 

Wittenstein alpha offers perfect drive solutions for every production stage and these gearheads are compatible with the Rockwell Automation servo motors also designed for Hygienic applications.

Protection against corrosion

The drive solutions provide innovative, incomparable alternatives for applications in corrosive environments: 

• Special protective coating
• Food grade lubrication (NSF certified)
• Stainless steel output
• Flexible design
• Optional accessories available
• Select food grade Motors (VPF and MPF)

Hygienic and sterile

The Hygienic design gearhead is the world’s first planetary gearhead to be certified by the EHEDG. Safe, direct integration in the process is now a reality:

• Housing material: Hygenic steel 1.4404
• Electropolished surface
• Triple sealing concept (IP69K)
• No dead spaces
• Food grade lubrication (NSF certified) 
• Use with Stainless steel Motors (VPS and MPS) 

For more information about the full range of Wittenstein products available from Routeco, please contact your local branch. Our Routeco experts will be able to explain to you the full details of the products and their application suitability and their benefits to you.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Simplify the integration of machines into your existing network

Increasing use of EtherNet / IP in industrial automation means that there is an increasing need to properly manage machines on the network while ensuring change processes are easy to manage.

The new Allen-Bradley 1783 Network Address Translation (NAT) router helps deliver standard machines to end users without programming unique IP addresses. With reduced installation and configuration activity the Allen-Bradley 1783-NATR enables machines to be added, moved or replaced with little or no configuration. 

Being able to access real-time data is important. To produce and provide data, machines need to integrated into the broader network where information can be analysed and sent to the right place at the right time. The Network Address Translation provides flexibility to segment or isolate network traffic by determining which devices are exposed to the larger network. Furthermore, being able to isolate access to certain devices can help to optimise local network performance. 

Users are able to configure the device by using a module web page and/or EDS AOP using Studio 5000 Automation Engineering & Design Environment™.

Key Features: 

• Uses simple 1:1 Network Address Translation (NAT) to map IP addresses on the machine subnet to IP addresses on the control network
• Configurable via web page and/or Electronic Data Sheets (EDS) Add-on Profile (AOP)
• Simplified device backup and restore via SD card storing configuration
• Support both Linear and Device Level Ring (DLR) topologies on the machine network
• Designed for equipment in packaging, conveyor and process applications with machines that contain up to 32 Ethernet nodes

The Allen-Bradley 1783-Nat can be found here. 

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Protecting your electronics with Rittal enclosures

The main function of an enclosure is to protect electronic components and devices from aggressive media such as humidity, water, oil- contaminated ambient air, corrosive vapours and dust. 

In addition, heat is also troublesome for components in enclosures. If components are exposed to heat more than 10 Kelvins relative to the maximum permitted operating temperature, this can half the service life of components and the failure rate is doubled. 

Failure to provide protection will mean electronic components will inevitably fail and eventually lead to the shutdown of entire production systems. This can generate huge costs: from repairing the parts to the loss of earnings while production stops. 

With this in mind, Rittal have bundled their innovative enclosure, power distribution, climate control and IT infrastructure products together into a single system platform. Rittal’s Therm software and Therm App makes calculating the control requirements of individual enclosure assemblies easy.

As a system provider, Rittal is the world’s top system supplier of exceptionally effective, yet energy efficient and environmentally friendly climate control solutions, precisely tailored to your individual requirements. 

If you would like to find out more, Rittal have produced an enclosure cooling handbook which is available here. This includes chapters on the following: 
• Fundamental principles
• Active heat dissipation 
• Tips for project planning and operation 
• What is machine and process cooling?

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com
                 

Introducing Hardy’s Process Weighing Portfolio

In this short video Routeco’s Automation Product Specialist Robert Stebbings demonstrates some of the Hardy Process Solutions portfolio.

The range includes in-chassis modules for the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs and a low cost plug-in module for the Micro800 Range.

Hardy are a market leader in process weighing solutions and Routeco’s technical specialists have been fully trained to ensure that we are able to assist our customers with the most complex of process weighing applications by utilising the unique features and benefits that come with integrating Hardy modules into your Rockwell Automation control systems.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the range and for further technical information on the products please visit the Hardy website at http://www.hardysolutions.com

    

Should you wish to arrange a site visit to discuss your process weighing applications with one of our product specialists please send us an email to info@routeco.com

Weidmuller Roadshow touches down in Bristol next week

Routeco, on behalf of Weidmuller UK, would like to invite you to join us at our Bristol branch to visit the Weidmuller Demonstration Vehicle. Come in and take a look around, you could even win a Pebble Smart Watch.

Routeco Bristol, 

Unit 1153, Aztec West, BS32 4TF

Wednesday 13th May 2015

10:00am - 15:00pm

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com

Managing Industrial Networks with Cisco Networking Technologies training class

Rockwell Automation, in collaboration with Strategic Alliance partner Cisco®, offers you the Managing Industrial Networks with Cisco Networking Technologies (IMINS) training class, designed for IT and automation professionals who are responsible for the implementation, operation and support of networked industrial infrastructure.

Managing Industrial Networks with Cisco® Networking Technologies (IMINS) Version 1.0 is a hands-on lab-based course, which helps students with the foundational skills needed for the management and administration of networked industrial control systems. The IMINS course, developed in conjunction with

Rockwell Automation, helps plant administrators, control system engineers and traditional network engineers understand networking technologies that are needed in today’s connected plants and enterprises. This course also helps you prepare for the Cisco Industrial Networking Specialist Certification exam

(exam ID 600-601) and qualify for the Cisco Industrial Networking Specialist certification.

Who should attend this training? IT and Operations Technology (OT) professionals and control engineers who will be involved with the implementation, operation, and support of networked industrial products and solutions.

Duration: 5 days

Course Objectives

After you complete this course, you should be able to:

• Describe Cisco Industrial Ethernet (IE) Switches, Cisco Connected Grid™

Switches and Routers, and Rockwell Automation® Stratix™ Switches

• Interpret designs and drawings, recognize industrial topologies, and access reference materials

• Install industrial network components

• Deploy industrial network components

• Perform basic maintenance tasks

• Troubleshoot network and control issues

Special Offer 10% discount for booking now for the May 11^th course

“Please contact your local Routeco branch to discuss your booking arrangements”

0370 607 1000